"My students are survivors--their very existence in my classroom is a statistical miracle. My 10th grade English class is full of inner city students who are the first in their families and communities to have any secondary schooling and are some of the few who dare to dream of college.
"My students are survivors--their very existence in my classroom is a statistical miracle. My 10th grade English class is full of inner city students who are the first in their families and communities to have any secondary schooling and are some of the few who dare to dream of college.
Of the 60,000 people who have entered this inner city school in the past 40 years, 2,000 have graduated from college. My student will succeed as adults, but they need exposure to texts that dignify their interests and ability levels.
We need 40 copies of the classic text, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to complete our study of survival and autonomy. These books will be shared by six classes and will service 150+ students this year alone.
You will help my students "survive" their circumstances. Your donation will make them college ready, life ready, and ready to turn over a new leaf in their communities. You can make a difference in these kids' lives.
My students need 40 copies of the "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".
See Ms. H.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jan 31, 2010
Dear Causecast, Michelle Ayzenberg, Ken, Amy, NarNar, Erika A. and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
You cannot begin to imagine how wonderful it is to know that others care about literacy. I entered my classroom less than 100 days ago, a first year teacher, with two tattered copies of Othello that another teacher had left behind as my only resources to dignify the intelligence of my 150 students. The books you donated with allow students to learn about themselves and others in ways that would never have been possible without your help. Today you made a truly amazing thing happen, you allowed inner city students to believe that someone cares for them and you reminded an inner city teacher that my students deserve to learn with dignity and, with the help of others, are able to learn with dignity.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
With gratitude, Ms. H.
Ms. H. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Oct 20, 2009
Dear Causecast, Michelle Ayzenberg, Ken, Amy, NarNar, Erika A. and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
My class recently read and essay that argued that being good is communicable and that we, as global citizens, should actively spread good deeds. Your donations are testaments to the fact that kindness can be shared, empathy is important, and my students can receive as well as spread good.
The books we receive will be lovingly used and reused and your kindness will be present in our classroom for years to come. Please know that as we learn more about survival in difficult circumstances and retaining empathy YOU are actively helping inner city youth survive and, perhaps more importantly, giving them life lessons that will endure long after they leave my classroom.
Thank you for recognizing the importance of literacy, character and my students' futures as scholars and citizens.
"I gave to this project because I read Allison Kenny's report on classroom needs vs Wall Street bonuses posted on trueslant.com. I'd rather be on your side than theirs, and pay money rather than lip service to the importance of education. Plus with a BA and MA in English, it's kind of responsibility to help others get the advantages I've had."
"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."
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Theresa H. (volunteer)
on Sep 3, 2009
